DETROIT – We’ve got an updated look at the severe storms that are moving toward Metro Detroit and could bring damaging winds, hail, and even a chance of tornadoes this afternoon.
As of noon Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the onset of severe storms is being felt on the west side of the state. There are lightning strikes coming off of Lake Michigan and pushing into the Grand Rapids area. The South Haven region is under thunderstorm warnings.
Those storms are moving east at about 40 mph.
Just before noon, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for all of Southeast Michigan. It’s in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Rain is expected to arrive as we head into the afternoon, but the greatest threat from these storms is damaging winds.
There’s a slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather across the area, which means there could be wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail, isolated flooding, and tornadoes.
The reason tornadoes can’t be ruled out is because some of the storm cells could be capable of creating rotation in the atmosphere.
The window for the broken line of storms reaching Southeast Michigan suggests they will be here between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Temperatures should hover around 70 degrees as rain and storms arrive.